Malta Youth in Agriculture Foundation
PoliRuralPlus is an EU Horizon Europe project that brings together 20 European partners to foster sustainable, balanced, and inclusive rural-urban development. Using advanced tools like AI, geospatial mapping, and foresight methods, the project helps regions design and implement Regional Action Plans that address real challenges faced by rural communities.
The scope of the project for the Maltese islands is to promote digital transformation in agriculture, empowering rural areas with new technologies.
This concept will support the leveling up of the agricultural and rural sector in Malta and Gozo, as it will provide the knowledge and capacity building opportunities to be able to improve the digitisation aspects. In addition, it will also encourage and provide the opportunity for development of entrepreneurial skills within the youth sector and provide a linking between rural-urban aspects.
Pilot 9 (Malta) is being implemented by AcrossLimits, with MaYA leading the national Agri-Tech Ideathon as part of the PoliRuralPlus Mobilise Call.
Malta - Rural pilot 9
How to Participate
(everyone welcome to apply)
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Check your inbox
(we’ll send you more details)
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Attend the sessions
(In-person ideathon by invitation only)
The events are scheduled as follows*:
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Webinar 1 (online): Introduction – Friday 5th September 10:30hrs - 12:00hrs
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Webinar 2 (online): Pre-Ideathon Workshop – Tuesday 23rd September 10:30hrs - 12:00hrs
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Ideathon (in-person, venue TBC): Friday 3rd October 16:00hrs - 20:00hrs (including networking breaks with refreshments)
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Attendance will be limited and by invitation, with priority for those actively engaged in the webinars.
By completing the registration form you are expressing your interest in the initiative. This does not commit you to attend, but ensures you will receive further details, including the webinar links and information about the ideathon venue and participation process.
*Please note that event details (including dates, times, venue, format, or other aspects) may be subject to change. All registered participants will be informed promptly of any updates.
Who is the Ideathon for?
The MaYA Agri-Tech Ideathon is open to anyone who wants to play a part in shaping Malta’s rural future, especially:
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Farmers & landowners
bringing real challenges from the field
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Young people & students
with fresh ideas and energy
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Tech developers & innovators
turning ideas into digital tools
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Policymakers & advisors
ensuring solutions fit real frameworks
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Agribusinesses, NGOs & community groups
connecting innovation to practice
SEP - OCT 2025
Co-creating AI solutions for Malta’s agriculture and rural future.
The MaYA Agri-Tech Ideathon, part of the PoliRuralPlus project, brings together farmers, youth, tech developers, policymakers, and agribusinesses to design AI-driven solutions for Malta’s rural future.
Purpose:
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Foster digital transformation – co-create practical tools that tackle land access, market integration, and climate resilience.
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Strengthen rural-urban collaboration – connect landowners, policymakers, and farmers through transparent data and digital platforms.
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Promote innovation through PoliRuralPlus tools – using solutions developed through PoliRural to inspire climate-smart, market-ready ideas.
By mobilising Malta’s agricultural community, the Ideathon aims to empower farmers, modernise rural practices, and build stronger links between rural and urban life.
Challenges We Must Overcome
During this initiative 3 major national issues have been identified which directly impact Malta’s agricultural sector and rural-urban balance.
01.
Access to Agricultural Land
Situation: A large share of Malta’s farmland remains idle, fragmented, or caught in ownership disputes. This limits opportunities for both new and established farmers, reduces food production, and weakens rural development.
Opportunity: How can technology, policy, and community action help unlock underused land, improve transparency, and make farmland more accessible for those who want to cultivate it?
02.
Market Access & Digital Integration
Situation: Many farmers struggle to access markets directly, relying heavily on intermediaries. This reduces their bargaining power, makes income unpredictable, and limits opportunities to reach new customers. At the same time, digital tools and e-commerce are underused in Malta’s agricultural sector.
Opportunity: How can we create fairer, more transparent, and digitally connected ways for farmers to sell their produce, strengthen rural-urban links, and build more resilient local food systems?
03.
Climate & Water Resilience
Situation: Malta’s farmers face increasing pressure from water scarcity, extreme weather, and shifting climate patterns. These risks make it harder to plan, drive up costs, and threaten long-term agricultural sustainability.
Opportunity: How can innovation, technology, and collaboration support smarter water use, stronger climate adaptation, and more resilient farming practices for Malta’s future?
Why Apply?
Contribute to real solutions Your ideas matter. Whether you’re a farmer, student, researcher, policymaker, or part of an organisation, this is your chance to bring forward challenges and propose ways to improve how farming and rural life work in Malta. Even small contributions and wild ideas can spark big changes.
Learn from others The ideathon is not just about brainstorming - it’s also about discovery. You’ll hear from farmers who live the challenges every day, tech experts who are testing new tools, and policymakers who shape the frameworks. By joining, you gain insights you won’t find in books or reports.
Build connections This event brings together people from different backgrounds who share a common interest: making Malta’s agricultural sector stronger and more sustainable. It’s a rare chance to meet potential collaborators, form new partnerships, and be part of a community that continues beyond the event.